By TERRY MADDAFORD
Northern Districts pace bowler Ian Butler gets an early chance to press claims for New Zealand's tour to Sri Lanka in May when he plays for North in their state of origin clash with South at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow.
Butler has been called in to replace Wellington's
Paul Hitchcock, who has a side strain.
With New Zealand selectors Ross Dykes (North) and Brian McKechnie (South) as team managers, the 22 players will be under some scrutiny.
The selectors will be looking initially at replacements - if needed - for the World Cup and farther down the track players for the Sri Lankan tour.
Dykes said that while he would have preferred to see a straight 50-over game as a way to judge players' ability, he was sure the 2 x 25-over format would produce a good contest.
"From what we have seen of the outer oval wicket at North Harbour Stadium this summer, there should be plenty of runs scored.
"In those conditions it also gives us a good chance to look at the bowlers as it is not always easy for them when batsmen are scoring seven or eight runs an over."
Under the format for the game, each team will bat for 25 overs in two innings each, giving the potential for up to 40 wickets to fall in the day's play.
"The players involved should see this game as a bonus and the chance to put their hands up," said Dykes. "It is nice to see something different like this. I'm sure the North-South rivalry will add to it."
Of players not selected, Dykes said nothing should be read into that.
"Basically, it is a one-day game and we have selected players accordingly. But that does not mean players have fallen out of the frame."
Incumbent test wicketkeeper Robbie Hart is one player who falls into that category. Interestingly, Northern Districts spinner Bruce Martin is another the selectors are keen to continue monitoring. He will, no doubt, be looked at in today's State Shield final.
Tomorrow North captain Brooke Walker and South's Carl Anderson will be watched, with North's Matt Hart, as the spinning options.
